The Logical Case for God's Exclusive Authority in Defining Omniscience.

[CCShorts]

The concept of God's omniscience, the state of knowing all things, is a subject that has fascinated theologians, philosophers, and believers for centuries. One crucial aspect to consider in understanding God's omniscience is the source and scope of knowledge. In this article, we will explore the logical argument that the only coherent and consistent way for God to be truly omniscient is for only Him to add to the "all things" in existence. We will demonstrate how alternative perspectives that “allow” external entities to contribute to omniscience ultimately limit God.

The Definition of Omniscience:
Omniscience, by its very definition, means having complete knowledge and understanding of all things. If anything exists outside of God's knowledge, then it challenges the notion of omniscience. Therefore, for God to be truly omniscient, He must encompass all knowledge and information.

God as the Ultimate Source of Knowledge:
As the creator of the universe and all that exists, God holds the ultimate authority and sovereignty. He alone possesses the power to determine what is knowable. By definition, omniscience necessitates that God is the sole arbiter of knowledge and that any additions to the "all things" in existence come solely from Him.

Divine Independence:
God's omniscience is closely tied to His independence and self-sufficiency. If external entities could contribute to the "all things" knowable, it would imply a dependency or limitation on God's knowledge. This contradicts the idea of a self-existent and self-sufficient God who derives His omniscience solely from His own nature.

The Unchanging Nature of God:
Central to the concept of God's omniscience is His unchanging nature. If other beings could introduce new knowledge or expand the scope of omniscience, it would imply that God's knowledge is subject to change and growth. However, an unchanging and timeless God is a fundamental belief making it logically inconsistent for external entities to contribute to omniscience.

The Limitation of God:
Allowing external entities to add to the "all things" knowable would impose limitations on God's knowledge. It would mean that God's omniscience is contingent upon the actions and knowledge of others, compromising His all-encompassing knowledge. An omniscient God must transcend any limitations, including the ability to define the extent of knowledge independently.

In examining the concept of God's omniscience, it becomes apparent that the only logical way for God to be truly omniscient is for only Him to add to the "all things" in existence. Alternative perspectives that “allow” external entities to contribute to omniscience introduce limitations, dependencies, and undermine the unchanging nature of God. By recognizing God's exclusive authority in defining what is knowable, we uphold the idea of a transcendent, all-knowing, and self-sufficient deity.

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For those who are interested in a Consistent Calvinist explination click here.

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[CCShorts]

A Practical Understanding of how God can be both eternally Omniscient and bring a logical moment by moment creation into existance without adding to Omniscience:

In our quest to comprehend the concept of God's omniscience and His role as the creator, let us embark on an imaginative journey through the analogy of an infinite grid representing God’s eternal Omniscience. This grid represents the logical cause-and-effect connections of all possible things knowable. Within this framework, we will explore how God brings things into existence by adding natural substance to these logical connections, ultimately shaping the reality of His creation.

Imagine a vast, boundless grid stretching in all directions, representing the vast realm of possibilities and logical connections between all possible things. Each cell in this grid symbolizes a unique configuration or state of existence.

In our analogy, God assumes the role of the master architect, possessing complete knowledge of the grid and its infinite possibilities. He comprehends the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that govern each cell of the grid.

As the master architect, God has the ability to add substance to specific cells of the grid. This substance represents the natural components required to manifest and bring about a particular state of existence.

When God adds substance to a specific cell, it becomes a focal point within the grid, representing the instantiation of a new reality or creation. This act of divine intervention infuses the logical connections with the necessary elements to materialize that specific state of existence.

God's omniscience is reflected in His complete understanding of the infinite grid. He possesses knowledge of every cause-and-effect relationship, recognizing the potential outcomes and ramifications of each addition to the grid.

Though God interacts with the grid by adding substance, His unchanging nature remains unwavering. God's essence and character persist without alteration, even as He orchestrates the creation of diverse states of existence within the grid.

By envisioning God as the master architect of the infinite grid, we recognize His sovereignty and authority in determining what comes into existence. He designs and shapes the interconnected tapestry of reality by selectively adding substance to the logical connections, unveiling His divine plan.

In contemplating the analogy of the infinite grid, we gain insights into the profound nature of God's omniscience and His creative power. God's role as the master architect, adding substance to logical connections within the grid, allows for the manifestation of His divine plan. Through this analogy, we can appreciate the unchanging nature of God, His sovereign authority, and the intricate design that underlies the reality we perceive. Let us reflect on the awe-inspiring beauty of God's creation, as represented by the infinite grid and His divine craftsmanship as the Master Architect.

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[David1701]

A Practical Understanding of how God can be both eternally Omniscient and bring a logical moment by moment creation into existance without adding to Omniscience:

In our quest to comprehend the concept of God's omniscience and His role as the creator, let us embark on an imaginative journey through the analogy of an infinite grid representing God’s eternal Omniscience. This grid represents the logical cause-and-effect connections of all possible things knowable. Within this framework, we will explore how God brings things into existence by adding natural substance to these logical connections, ultimately shaping the reality of His creation.

Imagine a vast, boundless grid stretching in all directions, representing the vast realm of possibilities and logical connections between all possible things. Each cell in this grid symbolizes a unique configuration or state of existence.

In our analogy, God assumes the role of the master architect, possessing complete knowledge of the grid and its infinite possibilities. He comprehends the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that govern each cell of the grid.

As the master architect, God has the ability to add substance to specific cells of the grid. This substance represents the natural components required to manifest and bring about a particular state of existence.

When God adds substance to a specific cell, it becomes a focal point within the grid, representing the instantiation of a new reality or creation. This act of divine intervention infuses the logical connections with the necessary elements to materialize that specific state of existence.

God's omniscience is reflected in His complete understanding of the infinite grid. He possesses knowledge of every cause-and-effect relationship, recognizing the potential outcomes and ramifications of each addition to the grid.

Though God interacts with the grid by adding substance, His unchanging nature remains unwavering. God's essence and character persist without alteration, even as He orchestrates the creation of diverse states of existence within the grid.

By envisioning God as the master architect of the infinite grid, we recognize His sovereignty and authority in determining what comes into existence. He designs and shapes the interconnected tapestry of reality by selectively adding substance to the logical connections, unveiling His divine plan.

In contemplating the analogy of the infinite grid, we gain insights into the profound nature of God's omniscience and His creative power. God's role as the master architect, adding substance to logical connections within the grid, allows for the manifestation of His divine plan. Through this analogy, we can appreciate the unchanging nature of God, His sovereign authority, and the intricate design that underlies the reality we perceive. Let us reflect on the awe-inspiring beauty of God's creation, as represented by the infinite grid and His divine craftsmanship as the Master Architect.

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I think that this is a great analogy!

 

[CCShorts]

Here is an addition to my original article as some might get the impression that the “grid” is some thing existing independent from God that God just happens to have complete knowledge of:

It is important to understand that the grid itself, representing the logical cause-and-effect connections of all possible things, is not independent of God. Rather, it is an abstraction that symbolizes God's own abilities and knowledge. In this sense, the grid is an expression of God's omniscience, which encompasses His perfect understanding of all His own abilities.

God's omniscience extends beyond mere knowledge of cause-and-effect relationships within the grid. It encompasses His complete understanding of His own nature, attributes, and capabilities. As the source of all existence and the foundation upon which the grid is built, God possesses perfect knowledge of His own abilities and the ways in which they interact with the logical structure of reality.

In this view, God's omniscience is not simply a detached knowledge of the grid, but rather an intimate understanding of His own inherent abilities and their implications within the logical framework. It encompasses His perfect awareness of all possibilities, potentials, and outcomes that arise from the interaction between His own nature and the logical structure of reality.

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[makesends]

the only coherent and consistent way for God to be truly omniscient is for only Him to add to the "all things" in existence.

I think I am not understanding quite what you are trying to say here. There is, after all, no way that there are things already in existence [that he did not create] to which he added his creation.

 

[civic]

I think I am not understanding quite what you are trying to say here. There is, after all, no way that there are things already in existence [that he did not create] to which he added his creation.

ditto

 

[makesends]

This grid represents the logical cause-and-effect connections of all possible things knowable.

"Knowable" to whom?

 

[CCShorts]

In examining the concept of God's omniscience, it becomes apparent that the only logical way for God to be truly omniscient is for only Him to add to the "all things" in existence.

I think I am not understanding quite what you are trying to say here.

It’s probably my fault. I will try to explain it using an example below.

There is, after all, no way that there are things already in existence [that he did not create] to which he added his creation.

ditto

(I may misunderstand the point of your question so please correct me if I do)

My attempt to answer your question as I understand it:

Example:
Your great, great, grandchildren do not exist yet…

The “all things” in existence at this point does not include them, yet God knows them.

Who will bring them into existence? In other words Who will add their existance to the current “all things” in existence?

The only logical way for God to know the future “all things” that includes your great, great, grandchildren is for only God to have planned, purposed and determined their existence to be added to the current “all things” in existence.

If something other than God Determined your great, great, grandchildren’s existence to be added in the future then logically he could not know about their existence before that “something other than God” informed God’s knowledge.

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[CCShorts]

This grid represents the logical cause-and-effect connections of all possible things knowable.

This Grid is a representation of God himself… including his own abilities.

"Knowable" to whom?

To God.

God can’t know about another God like himself.

It’s not a logically possible thing.

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[makesends]

It’s probably my fault. I will try to explain it using an example below.




(I may misunderstand the point of your question so please correct me if I do)

My attempt to answer your question as I understand it:

Example:
Your great, great, grandchildren do not exist yet…

The “all things” in existence at this point does not include them, yet God knows them.

Who will bring them into existence? In other words Who will add their existance to the current “all things” in existence?

The only logical way for God to know the future “all things” that includes your great, great, grandchildren is for only God to have planned, purposed and determined their existence to be added to the current “all things” in existence.

If something other than God Determined your great, great, grandchildren’s existence to be added in the future then logically he could not know about their existence before that “something other than God” informed God’s knowledge.

…

Yes, you answered the question.

To me, it seems, that you are only defining 'First Cause'.

Not to disagree with your conclusion, but to take the position of devil's advocate: You still need to prove that God is first cause. All I see you showing is, in effect, that there can be no two (or more) first causes. With that I agree, though I don't see that your argument proves it.

Interestingly, though, your discourse brings up, if it doesn't outright imply it, the notion of God's timelessness: In that, what we consider his intervention into time, is probably no different to him than his original decree.

Here, also, as below, you are arguing in the same way that others, including Aquinas, do, presuming substance to the way that humans think and talk. This is, to me, no proof of anything —the fact that we say this or that, means nothing as to the substance of this or that.

This Grid is a representation of God himself… including his own abilities.


To God.

God can’t know about another God like himself.

It’s not a logically possible thing.

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God can't know about another God like himself, because it is a logical self-contradiction for there to BE another God like himself. There can be only one First Cause.

Your grid only represents OUR way of thinking, lucid though it may seem, (and well done, btw). That is, you assume there is such a thing as a range of possibilities, though you don't say so. I expect that if you had continued, by way of a description of history, like a red line on a map you would have had to show a track through your grid of what is possible, designated as "What is Actual". As the saying goes, "If what is 'possible' remains only what is (or was) 'possible', then it never becomes 'actual'". Due to our ignorance, we only have the habit of claiming possibility; but in reality we have no reason to claim anything is possible except what is actual —that is, 'real'.